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Jay Semko was born in Saskatoon and has lived there for most of his life, although he resided in Toronto for much of the final decade of the twentieth century. He is the bassist and one of three vocalists with multiple JUNO Award nominees and Western Canadian Music Association Hall of Fame members The Northern Pikes, and has composed music scores for numerous film and TV productions, including the classic syndicated series "Due South". As an award-winning singer/songwriter, Jay has co-written and recorded with many of the best writers in music. In 2021 his first book, "The Poetry & Lyrics of Jay Semko", was published, and Jay has written about songwriting and creativity for many publications, including the Saskatchewan Writers' Guild Freelance magazine. In 2023 Jay was presented with the Queen Elizabeth ll Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the arts and mental health advocacy in Saskatchewan. Jay continues to tour across Canada with The Northern Pikes and as a solo artist, sharing his songs, stories, and adventures from his life in music and beyond. In April 2026 Jay and his partner, renowned storyteller and writer Danica Lorer, released their first album as a musical duo, "Jay and Danica", on their Riverbank Crocus Music label. Jay is currently writing his memoir, a second book of poetry, and is performing concerts regularly with Danica.